Apply for an Arts Grant

The Arts Grant Program supports arts organizations with funding for operations, specific projects and capital. Learn how to apply, who is eligible, what you need, and when to submit your application.

On this page

  1. How to apply
  2. Who can apply
  3. What you need to apply
  4. 2025 Results
  5. Other grants
  6. Contact us

How to apply

The Arts Grant Program opened on January 8, 2025 and is now closed. The next cycle will open in January 2026.

Who can apply

To be eligible for the Arts Grant, the organization must:

  • have an organizational mandate to deliver art programming or initiatives
  • deliver programs, services or projects that must benefit the residents of the City of Waterloo by providing opportunities to participate in the arts
  • be organized for a minimum of one year
  • operate as a not-for-profit or community organization under the leadership of a volunteer board of directors or executive committee, elected by the general membership, or as a registered charity
  • comply with all applicable legislation, regulations and bylaws for all levels of government
  • submit a complete application form providing all documents by the deadline

For complete grant information, read the Arts Grants Policy (PDF). 

If you're unsure if your organization qualifies, please contact us. 

What you need to apply

The maximum amount for an Arts Grant is 10% of the organization's total annual budget. Funds can support operating, project and capital costs.

Learn more about operating, project and capital grants
Operating grants
  • are for ongoing costs that support the day-to-day working of your organization 
  • examples include rent, insurance, telephone and internet services, staff salaries, program expenses and in-house training

Project grants
  • one-time, temporary projects with a specific objective
  • are completed in a set timeframe with a clear beginning and end date
  • must differ from your core services or programs
     
Capital grants 
  • one-time expenses for structures, equipment, or other long-term assets

2025 Results

Following a competitive evaluation of many commendable applications, the following organizations have been awarded funding for 2025:

 2025 Arts Grant results
  • Age of Majority Singers
  • Bandology Inc
  • Belmont Village Bestival
  • Button Factory Arts Centre
  • CAFKA – Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area
  • Caribana Arts Group
  • Community Music School of Waterloo Region
  • Cosmic Fishing Theatre
  • Freedom Marching Project
  • Green Light Arts Theatre Company
  • Grand Porch Party
  • Grand River Film Festival
  • Grand River Flamenco Fest
  • Grand River New Horizons Music
  • Grand River Opera
  • Hepcats Community Dance Studio
  • Irish Real Life Festival
  • Kitchener Musical Society Band
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra
  • KW Musical Productions
  • KW Sentro
  • Last Minute Gallery
  • Pat the Dog Theatre Creation
  • Pinch Arts Company
  • Rhapsody Dance Project
  • Spiritus Ensemble
  • Sporas Scattered
  • Strummerfest
  • Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival
  • The Canadian Arabic Orchestra
  • The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery
  • The Multicultural Theatre Space (MT Space)
  • Three Sisters Cultural Centre
  • tri-Pride
  • Unwrap Theatre
  • Waterloo Chamber Players
  • Waterloo Concert Band
  • Wellington Winds

Other grants

Visit our neighbourhoods website or Sports and Recreation Grant page for information on other funding opportunities from the City. For other granting opportunities within Waterloo Region, please visit wrapply.ca.

Contact us

If you have any questions or need more information about the Arts Grant Program, please email Lakyn.Barton@waterloo.ca.